# Hear and follow me: opening our hearts to God
*2015-12-22*

> Bill Young reflects on the importance of a clear conscience and the grace of God as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas.

## Preparing for Christmas

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer N Lunch podcast. Today is Tuesday of Christmas Week, and we are preparing for Christmas Day by reading "Opening Our Hearts to God: Praying Through Advent with Pope Francis."

## The Testimony of Conscience

Today's reading is from 2 Corinthians 1:12, titled "Hear and Follow Me." The scripture tells us: "For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have behaved in the world, and still more towards you, with holiness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom, but by the grace of God."

## A Prayer for Determination

In our Advent prayer today, we ask: O God, help us to become increasingly men and women of conscience, free in our conscience, because it is in our conscience that dialogue with you takes place. Help us become men and women who can hear your voice and follow it with determination.

*We must cultivate a free and open conscience to hear God's voice and follow Him with determination.*